Tile Roofs or Slate Roofs – Which Roofing Material is Better on the Market Today

When deciding on the best substances for your roof, you must ask yourself direct questions. Many factors will be considered, including the budget, aesthetics, and even the location and size of the structure. Many homeowners are debating whether to use roofing slates or tiles, two of the most popular types of roofing materials. In this blog, you’ll look at the precise details as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each to help you choose the right roof covering for your building project.

The Basic Difference Between Tile Roofs and Slate Roofs

If you aren’t a developer or architect, you might be confused about the distinction between slates and tiles, and the reality is that they are quite similar in many ways: they do similar jobs, are laid in similar ways, and can look similar. However, there are some important factors to consider before making a final decision.

The most important distinction is that natural slate is a naturally made product, whereas artificial slates or roof tiles are manufactured. Therefore, slate tiles may become a very attractive option for those seeking an authentic (rustic) look.

Slate Roofs

Roof slates are classified into two types: man-made slates and natural slates. Natural slates vary in colour, composition, and texture depending on where they are quarried, with Welsh slates, Spanish slates, and Brazilian slates being the most popular. They are available in a variety of sizes, but the size is purely aesthetic and has no bearing on the sturdiness or long life of a slate roof.

Welsh slates have indeed been excavated in North Wales, with the initial recorded use of Welsh slate for roofing-intended purposes occurring around 77AD on the Seqontium Caernarfon Roman fort. Welsh slate was and continues to be a popular roof covering in Victorian times. For decades, Spanish slates have been the best-selling natural slate in the UK: they have a look like Welsh slates, have eye-catching variations, does not fade in direct sunlight or extreme conditions, and are obtainable at a fraction of the cost of Welsh slates, making them the most popular natural slate year after year. Brazilian slate is a mudstone new roof slate mined in southeast Brazil with a distinct contemporary look and character.

Man-made slates are low-profile fibre cement slates with smooth surfaces and square cut edges that provide a sleek, visually appealing finish. Man-made slates, also known as artificial slates, are among the strongest slates available and are popular among architects and roofers due to their low waste and ease of installation.

Roof Tiles

Roof tiles are made by hand, and the procedure involves firing clay or concrete in a kiln. Roof tiles are available in a much wider variety of designs and colour combinations than natural slate because they are manufactured. This can make a roof tile more attractive to those who are looking for a specific shade or design effect. Roof tiles are made of very durable materials, and choosing a roof tile and going for a robust are the same, reliable product with an in-situ lifespan of over 50 years, and often over 100 years in the case of clay roof tiles.

Because tiles are man-made, they do not require on-site grading and sorting like slates and are consistently faster to fix and lay onto the roof, so the correct process of running your project is simpler and clearer and may take less time.

Now that you know the difference between roof tiles and slate roofs, it would be easier for you to understand which is perfect for your house. Make your choice wisely to avoid potential problems. For further advice, contact the expert team at The Slate Roofing Company here.